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April has arrived and with it has come lock downs, Spring, and of course Easter and Passover. So where do we start.

Our lock down is going good, we are indoors more than normal, trying to find things to keep Layla occupied as unfortunately all my dog sitting jobs have been cancelled. So she has a new quirk to sit on the bed and moan for attention all the time which is not making my life easy as I ignore it part of the time and then feel guilty also.

Our dog parks closed this week, they are focusing more on the enclosed ones than the one like ours that has no fencing although ours has a kids playground etc which they have closed but are not making a big deal about us sitting on the lawns as long as there is 6 ft between us. Many families are there enjoying the warm weather which we have at the moment and I the past two days have been going also with a blanket and coffee, getting that fresh air is so great plus good for Layla also. She does not wander far so I have no worries with her.

Outdoor recreation is still allowed like walking, hiking, biking and running without limitations as long as people follow social requirements.

With the lock downs I am reading more and more how unfortunately Domestic Violence cases are rising, something that upsets me very much because we all complain about the lock downs but are blessed that we are free of violence not like those that are stuck at home with an abuser. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of them. If you hear of anyone in trouble and you can please reach out or give them the National Hotline Number so that they call. Remember they sometimes do not have access to a computer so having the number on hand will help them.

Advocates are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.

Another cause we must not forget is April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

We must not forget that like Domestic Violence with the lock down many animals may be being abused by an abusive human and as they are more in the house the abuse could be worse. Please if you see any animal abuse or hear of any please call your local Animal Control or the Police.

I feel in these times we must be more aware of our surroundings, neighbors and reach out where possible as you could be saving a life.

Passover is next week, I cannot believe it and that holiday as many of you know symbolizes the freedom from slavery of the Jews from Egypt, and for me it also symbolizes especially with what is happening in the world today, freedom for Domestic Violence Victims and Animals from Cruelty situations.

So on this note we are asking everyone to be aware, keep your eyes open for any abuse if you are out on an essential errand, stay safe and healthy,

Well we are on lock down and have no dogs at the moment staying with us but we are dealing with it the best we can and staying positive.

This lock down has caused me many triggers, but thank goodness having a wonderful network of people in my life it is easing it for me plus of course the one and only Layla. My rock.

There are two triggers I have had to deal with this week but today being Thursday am back to my normal self whatever normal is and plodding along.

The first is being a Domestic Violence Survivor and having been kept on lock down and isolated, having to walk on egg shells and so much more it really freaked me out till I realized that hey there is no one here but Layla, I can use the phone or computer, and as that slowly started sinking in I started relaxing more.

The second was when they said stay inside, I suddenly went back in my mind to the days before the Gulf War, I was living in Israel, how we had our gas masks, a safe room with Duct tape on the window, etc so that no chemicals of any kind could enter that room, and I had 3 cats with me also. There too once we started going outside the sirens, closing ourselves in our safe room, carrying our masks with us everywhere suddenly became a routine.

So when I sit here and watch everyone panicking, hoarding and driving themselves nuts because of all the social media I came to the conclusion that I am switching off TV, jazz on only, and off the computer by dinner time wherever possible. I am also doing our daily walks, and weather permitting taking Layla to one of my favorite tiny parks here in the city, where I sit with my coffee, Layla wanders and if there is one other person it is a lot. It is a great place for me to just relax, balance myself and enjoy the beauty of nature.

My Heaven

With all the information floating around the internet and so many people saying different things I decided to get my resources together when it comes to our pets and am quoting here, putting a link also so that everyone understands. These are qualified resources as I do not trust everything that everyone says.

The first person I turned to was a very good friend of mine, she is an expert on viruses and discussed with her Layla whom she knows and as you can see in the photo below it says there no pets can get the virus.

The second resource I went to was my vets – I am blessed that I can email them and they were quick to reply with the below link, once again saying that pets cannot get the virus.

In an nutshell it says that there is no proof at this moment that pets can get the virus but they do remind us to wash our hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds after walking your dog, include your pets in a disaster plan – I have a written document what should happen to Layla if something happens to me and it is with friends who have keys to my place.

So as I end this weeks woof I want everyone to take a moment please and think of all the Domestic Violence victims who are stuck in homes and are suffering and pray that they will survive and get away from it all.

Take care everyone, stay safe and most of all remember you are not alone.With a big virtual hug and lick from Layla

It has been a long week and phew thank goodness the weekend has arrived. I just hope there will be no more tremors and I can relax a bit. Yes I did check my earthquake kit again LOL.

Last Saturday we went to Bark in the park K9 Heroes event in our park which of course Madam sat in her backpack and I did the carrying. She was not happy with all the noise especially the jets flying over head so on Sunday we just lay low and relaxed in the house which she was happy with. I had the Jazz going to keep it as calm as possible plus to block out the jets. So I spoiled her with lots of treats.

Talking about treats we got some new goodies to try out. They come from one of our favorite local stores – Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Food Store. What she got was some frozen raw chicken necks and I must say she is going to town on them. Loves them and sits on the bed moaning to get more although I am only giving her one a day.

Madam will not sit still for anything when she gets one so sorry about this pic

Jeffrey’s is a local raw pet food store, they prepare their food daily in San Francisco sourcing local ingredients, quality ingredients: fresh, raw, quality meats, free from hormones and antibiotics, fresh organic vegetables, and their own vitamin mineral mix. They make food for both dogs and cats.

I also had to compensate Layla big time as she got punished LOL with a bath this week, lying in the park with all the leaves falling had made her dusty and itchy, so it was needed and she was happy to come home and chew on another neck.

As you all know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month we are sharing important info all the time to remind everyone to be safe, both humans and animals.

So that has been our week, Madam as usual being spoiled and me working hard to keep her happy, what a perfect balance.

As you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month where we pray for all the victims, both humans and animals that they will be able to get away from the abuse safely.

So before I start with what has been happening in the Layla Neighborhood I want to remind everyone what to do if your pet is threatened. It is so important to remember this as this way you will know you have proof that your abuser abused your pets too which will make it easier for you to get them away.

October is a month where I think and miss Baby a lot as she was part of that dark chapter of my life but another reason I miss her is because October is filled with so many Halloween events which I was never able to do with her so I try to do as many as possible with Layla, and I often question myself am I doing it for her or out of guilt not being able to do it all with Baby.

Last weekend we went to a great Halloween Event held by one of the Paw Barkeries in San Francisco. It was so much fun with so many dogs and costumes I could not keep up with them all. Of course there were loads of treats so Layla had a party munching away all the time LOL.

I am putting up some of the photos here of some of the costumes.

There were also different vendors and an introduction to insects from a non profit that is trying to save all insects.

As I always do I used a backpack for Layla to keep her safe with everyone pushing and walking around. This is a new backpack that I received from the company called Mr. Peanut’s Pet Products. It was so comfy to carry Layla in, she was so happy and one thing I really loved about it was that when I sat down to have coffee I could lie it on its side and she could lie down and have a nap.

The backpack is PETA certified, made of vegan leatherette and faux fleece bedding pads. It is a great backpack, light weight, weighing only 2.4 lbs, waterproof which is great for when it rains, has really great ventilation with breathable mesh on 3 sides, removable fleece travel bed and compartments for treats, poop bags or medications. It comes with a 2 in 1 feeder travel set, 12 oz duel sided collapsible bowl and an amazing 20 oz Water Bottle. It is also airline approved which for those that fly with their pets it is just perfect.

They also have a program that pays forward so when you shop from them you are supporting a shelter also, and businesses that do that for me are a winner.

And before I forget to all our cat friends their products are for cats too.

While I am typing all this there are jets flying over head practicing for Fleet Weekend, I personally think a waste of money which could be used for so many non profit organizations that are struggling. It also reminds me of the October 1973 war when I was sitting in school with jets flying over head protecting Israel.

So as you can see October is full of memories for me, but am at this same time trying to make great new fun memories which will not wipe out the bad but helps make the month look good instead.

October has begun and this month is a very important month for me as we will be talking about Domestic Violence and how it affects both Humans and Pets. This is also the reason I am such a strong advocate against abuse for both Humans and Animals.

To start off the month I decided to once again share my story, as I am a survivor, a proud survivor that got away and now has a voice to speak up.

I met Baby, a tan Chiweenie, while I was visiting the SPCA in Southern California. She had just been surrendered by her family. It was love at first sight. Her loving eyes and beautiful face just made me want to hold her and keep her. They kept her for 48 hours to spay her and check her out, and then I fetched her.

Baby changed my life from the moment she came to live with my now ex-husband and me.At home, I was a victim of domestic violence on a daily basis. With Baby around, I finally had an excuse to get out of the house, by telling my ex I was taking her for a walk.I went for long walks with her, which helped me get away from the stress I was submerged in day after day.My life was hard. My ex controlled the money, the computer, the phone, everything. He didn’t give me access to bank accounts, I was not allowed to answer the telephone, I could not check e-mails, not even the mail box.I was isolated from the outside world, including my friends and family. When I was allowed to talk to them, he sat right next to me, so I could not say much. He timed me when I went to the supermarket or went shopping. If I was a bit longer than expected, I got yelled at. His constant emotional abuse was to me harder than any physical abuse, since body wounds heal quicker than emotions. I was walking on eggshells all the time.

No matter what I did, to him it always looked wrong. Baby kept me going with her loving personality, her wanting cuddles, her unconditional love. And the moment we had a chance, I packed up with her and ran. We found shelter with a friend, who hid us until we could get our lives organized.We were penniless, but I knew in my heart that all would fall slowly into place once we were safe and by ourselves.

Upon arrival in San Francisco, Baby was fostered by some wonderful women from the Domestic Violence Organization Shalom Bayit (Their link is on my links page) and when possible she became the first dog accepted into a domestic violence shelter. (In another post I will discuss the pros and cons of having a pet in a Shelter)I finally found our own little place we called home and were living a peaceful happy life with lots of laughter, fun and so much more.

10/5/10 Baby, my little trooper, my angel, my everything, grew her wings and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She had contracted IMHA and within 48 hours passed. It was one of the hardest days of my life, one I will never forget as she had kept me going during my darkest hours.

My friend said something to me which sticks in my mind “Baby came into your life at a time you both needed each other, and left when she knew you were safe so that you could rescue another”

In January 2011 Layla arrived, and the rest is history.

If you are in a Domestic Violence Situation you can go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline :Tel : 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or their website :

If you are in the situation we were in, know that where there is a will there is a way. Against all odds, Baby and I did it. You can do it, too and today compared to when I did it there is so much more assistance out there for you.

So we are asking everyone this month to share our story as it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and by sharing maybe we can help others.

How are you and we hope you have all recovered from the holidays and over eating LOL, we have managed to relax in the middle also.

January is a special month for me as it is the month that I ran from Domestic Violence and found my freedom and it is the month that I rescued Layla also, we call it the month we found our freedom.

It has been a long journey, there have been ups and downs like when I lost Baby but whatever the negatives have been I am so happy I did it, saved Baby RIP from the abuse and although life is not perfect today I would rather have this life than what I had.

Rescuing Layla is a bonus, she has given me so much laughter, love and friendship which is things money cannot buy and I am so blessed to wake up to Ms Piss and Vinegar every morning.

Today and the next couple of days are for Layla Christmas Tree heaven as everyone puts their trees out to be picked up so she when going for walks pees on all of them. I often wonder what is going through her mind when doing it as when we visit friends over Christmas we watch the dogs to make sure they do not pee and then overnight they have the freedom to do it whenever they want. They must really think we are nuts.

Many are asking what resolutions we have made for New Year and going to be honest have made none, am going to take each day as it comes, cross every bridge as I get to it and make the best of the year as possible. Of course though the most important is keeping Layla healthy and happy.

So as Layla starts her morning nap we both want to wish everyone again a Happy Healthy 2019.

This past weekend Mom and I decided to have a picnic in the park as the weather is slowly changing and today, Tuesday is raining grrrr.

Mom wanted to go also as to sit and reflect her past with October arriving and it being Domestic Violence Awareness Month she felt she needed to clear her head, think of my sister Baby and enjoy the outdoors and freedom.

Mom is a survivor, and this month brings lots of memories, the sad ones and then the happy ones of being free and as Mom says she knows she did the right thing staying in the relationship to protect my sister whom I never met.

So we sat there talking, me lying by her side like I always do, and thinking about all the women that are in abusive relationships but will not leave because of their furkids. Something Mom understands.

It is very easy for people to say pack up and run, but when you know that most shelters do not take pets where does one run to ?

Mom in the past has blogged about how hard it is for shelters to take the pets, some say they should but when you look at the reality it is not easy as there are kids dealing with trauma, allergies, staff overworked, and so much more that we have to instead find a solution to help those pets while the victims try to get on their feet, figure out their lives, and find themselves.

This is something that has been going through Mom’s mind a lot as to how to help them, and some ideas have come to mind but now it is how to get that kind of project going.

So while we were chatting about this, Mom set up my own picnic – yummm. We had received this Dine Away Set from Overland Dog Gear Company and just love it as it makes life so easy when wanting to have a picnic. The set includes a travel bag, 2 food carriers, a placemat, 2 collapsible bowls and a food scoop. Even with the food and water it was not heavy to carry and made life so much easier than what Mom has been doing in the past.

Mom also received from them a Day Away tote which includes a food carrier for food or treats. Now there is nothing in plastic bags or containers spilling everywhere. This tote is fantastic as it is spacious, place for a bottle, can slide on luggage and the best is that it zippers up so I cannot get my nose into it to get to the treats BOL. The best of all is if you are planning a weekend away with your dog he / she will have his own bag for his things so you do not have to pack them with yours, I just love this idea.

Personally I think these are a must in a house for those that do travel with their dogs and I was thinking to myself if only I had had them when I ran as it would have made my life so much easier, thank you Overland Dog Gear for giving me these products to review.

So while we sat there talking, me munching, Mom drinking coffee life seemed to look brighter cos she said : Layla we are free to enjoy life so lets put aside the past and enjoy the rest of the day.

Spring is here I hope for everyone and the flowers are blooming, the chill is disappearing and everyone will be able to spend more time outdoors with our dogs. What a wonderful feeling.

May also brings back memories for me, not good ones but ones that I can say I am blessed to have had and those are with Baby R.I.P.

I will never forget going to the shelter to choose a dog, my ex told me to choose and then like anything else in an abusive relationship it was what she wanted or nothing so Baby came to live with us. That was 07 May 2006.

She was a cute little chiweenie, full of love and I could not have asked for a better friend through the hard times. Because of her I was able to escape the daily abuse by taking her for long walks, sometimes sitting under a tree and watching the world go by with her in my arms, she kept me alive in many ways during that awful period of my life.

She was the reason I stayed in the Domestic Violence relationship as I was not prepared to leave her there but the minute I had the chance I ran with her. It was hard, stressful but I would do it all over. She was my hero.

Many Domestic Violence victims to this day say I stayed in the relationship because of my pets and I so fully understand them, they are your children and you would not leave them behind to be abused so would rather take the abuse to protect them.

So as those May memories go through my mind I am blessed to have had her, we had a couple of years of freedom together where I over spoiled her with no regrets, when she passed which was one of the hardest days of my life, I waited and then adopted Layla.

Layla is my rock, she keeps me amused, makes me smile, and is blessed to have not gone through those dark days with me but instead has had the chance to have sunny ones and this month brings the sunny days to us.

So let us all count our blessings, say thanks for what we have, material items are great but they cannot measure the unconditional love of a pet and if I had to choose between the two i would go for the pet.